During his biennial address to the 103rd International Assembly, Presiding Bishop Tim Coalter announced the formation of the International Music Department (IMD), a new ministry of the Church of God of Prophecy’s International Offices that will operate within the Division of Global Communications.
The announcement builds upon the vision introduced at the 102nd International Assembly with the creation of the Division of Global Communications. Based on the Pentecostal mission of ensuring that every person hears “the wonderful works of God” in their own language (Acts 2), the new department recognizes music as one of the Church’s most enduring and powerful expressions of testimony.
Sharing from Scripture, Bishop Coalter traced the biblical witness of song—from the Song of Moses after the crossing of the Red Sea, to the Psalms of David, the songs surrounding the birth of Christ, Paul and Silas singing in prison, and the worship of the redeemed in the book of Revelation.
“Communication has never been limited to words and visuals alone,” Bishop Coalter said. “From the earliest pages of Scripture, testimony has traveled on the wings of music and song.”
The International Music Department will strengthen and resource music ministry throughout the global church by:
- Providing worship resources for congregations of every size.
- Offering training and development opportunities for singers, musicians, and worship leaders.
- Encouraging collaboration and connection among music ministry leaders around the world.
- Providing oversight and strategic direction for Majestic Records, helping revive and celebrate the distinctive musical heritage of the Church of God of Prophecy while creating new opportunities for future generations of artists.
Bishop Coalter emphasized that the department represents more than an organizational addition. “This is more than music. This is witness. This is testimony.”
The announcement reflects the Church’s conviction that music has long served as a vehicle for proclaiming the gospel and continues to play a vital role in fulfilling its mission of reconciling the world to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The International Music Department will operate under the leadership of the Division of Global Communications, directed by Executive Director Bishop Shaun McKinley, whose division has experienced significant growth since its formation in 2024. During his address, Bishop Coalter highlighted the expanding global reach of the division, noting that today more people are hearing the wonderful works of God in their own language than at any other time in the Church’s history.
To lead the newly established department, Bishop Coalter announced Chadwick Lambert as the Church’s International Music Director.
In announcing the initiative, Bishop Coalter also invited those who share the vision to prayerfully consider supporting the ministry financially as it begins serving the worldwide Church.
“The Church is learning to speak the language of this generation in fresh and relevant ways,” Bishop Coalter said. “There is a place for anointed, God-honoring talent within the Church of God of Prophecy. We want to provide a platform for your testimony.”
The International Music Department marks another significant step in the Church’s ongoing efforts to equip believers, strengthen worship, and proclaim the gospel through every available means—including the enduring testimony of song.
The International Music Department will begin its work immediately, with its first major initiative being the International Music Conference, the first official gathering of the newly established ministry. The conference will bring together worship leaders, musicians, singers, songwriters, and music ministry leaders from across the Church of God of Prophecy for several days of worship, training, encouragement, and collaboration.
The conference will be held October 15–19, 2026, in Williamsburg, Virginia, and will serve as the inaugural event of the International Music Department as it begins equipping and connecting those called to testify through music.
For conference information, registration details, and updates, visit https://cogop.org/music-conference.